Nasal congestion, clear drainage from nose, sneezing,
itchy nose, itchy eyes, post-nasal drip frequently causing a cough and
irritated throat.

suspect an allergy if the above symptoms last
longer than 2 weeks. Allergy symptoms develop from exposure to specific
allergens and usually appear around the same time each year, spring, summer
or fall. Other types of allergens, like molds and pet dander, produce
similar symptoms and come and go with exposure.
Transmission: none

Avoid the allergen(s) as much as possible. Treat symptoms with
over the counter antihistamines like Benadryl. If not effective see a
health care professional.

A cold develops gradually.  Initial symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, and chills are followed by coughing, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite, and nasal discharge.  If fever is present, it will be low-grade (less than 101 degrees).

The common cold is caused by more than 200 different viruses. There are currently no antibiotics that are effective against colds.  Medications can help relieve symptoms, but there is no cure.

The most common ways a cold is spread are through hand-to-hand contact with someone who has a cold or by touching a hard surface or object that a person with a cold has recently touched.  A cold can also be transmitted through airborne particles through coughing or sneezing, but it isn't very likely, unless you have prolonged contact with someone with a cold.

To decrease your chances of exposure, wash hands frequently and try to stay away from anyone with a cold.

Once exposed, you are less likely to develop cold symptoms if you have a strong immune system.  To keep your immune system in shape, try to keep a regular schedule with eight hours of sleep, a balanced diet, and exercise.  Try to keep stress levels low, and DON'T SMOKE!

Visit the Cold Care station at the Health Center

The flu most often hits abruptly, with a sudden high fever, dry cough, and headache. Other symptoms may include muscle aches, weakness, a sore throat, runny nose, and red, watery eyes that are sensitive to light.
 

Like a cold, the flu is a viral infection and there is no cure.   It is spread through person-to-person contact and through sneezing and coughing.  The flu can make people of any age ill. Most people are sick for only a few days, but some have a more serious illness that may require hospitalization.

Once a person gets the flu, not much can be done except to alleviate the symptoms.  The best treatment is prevention by immunization.
 

Immunization is important for people with increased risk of complications and for those most likely to spread it. The vaccine is recommended for college students, especially those who live in dorms.  They run a higher risk of contracting the flu because of close living quarters.  In addition, many college students experience a drastic change in eating and sleeping habits when school first starts which may lead to a weakened immune system.

People who need the vaccine should get it every year.  The vaccine starts to protect you after a week or two and protection may last up to one year.  In the United States, the CDC recommends getting the vaccine in October or mid-November.  Because viruses change so often, it is possible to get the flu even if you have received the vaccine.  However, people who do get the flu after being vaccinated usually have a milder case than those who did not get the vaccine. The flu vaccine will not cause the flu.

Side Effects:

The most common side effects are soreness at injection site, fever, weakness, muscle aches, and allergic reactions. You should not receive the vaccine if you have an allergy to eggs.  Check with your doctor or nurse at Student Health before receiving the vaccine if you have had previous reactions to vaccines or if you have any chronic health problems.  You also should not be vaccinated during an illness involving fever.